Sansevieria plant named ‘HANSOTI23’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of  Sansevieria  plant named ‘HANSOTI23’ is disclosed, characterized by bright, variegated foliage of green and cream tones with linear bands along the length of the leaf, contrasting with a base background cream colour and bright green coloured margin bands in the leaf blade. Foliage is arranged in attractive spiral rosettes with lowermost foliage occurring at obtuse angles from the center of the plant. The new cultivar is compact, reaching about 20 to 25 cm in height at maturity. Plants are typically ready to sell at 3 months from a rooted liner, having 9 to 12 leaves at this stage. Plants require little water, having a moderate tolerance for drought, and are also tolerant of very wet conditions. The new variety is a  Sansevieria , categorized within the Compact  Sansevieria  Group, typically produced as an indoor ornamental plant.

Latin name of the genus and species: Sansevieria trifasciata.

Variety denomination: ‘HANSOTI23’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar ofSansevieria plant, botanically known as Sansevieria trifasciata, of thefamily Asparagaceae, hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name‘HANSOTI23’.

Sansevieria is a monocotyledonous plant with fleshy, succulent leaveswhich are available in a huge range of species, varieties and cultivarsas an outdoor ornamental plant (under tropical conditions) or as indoorplants.

Both, the parental ‘Midi Green’ (unpatented) and the new cultivar‘HANSOTI23’ belong to the group of Sansevieria trifasciata called‘Compact Sansevieria Group’ with Sansevieria trifasciata ‘FutunaSuperba’ as the typical example, in contrast to the “Birds Nest” or“Hahnii Sansevieria Group” of very short or dwarf cultivars all derivedfrom the original Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ (unpatented) and the“Tall Sansevieria Group” of Sansevieria trifasciata cultivars with tallleaves up to 4 feet (1.25 meters) tall or even more and Sansevieriatrifasciata ‘Laurentii’ (unpatented) as the typical example.

The new Sansevieria ‘HANSOTI23’ was discovered and selected by theinventor, Ashish Hansoti, as a single, naturally occurring whole plantmutation within a planting of Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Midi Green’(unpatented). The discovery was made at the inventor's nursery, inVillage Done, District Thane, Maharashtra State in Western India. Theinventor noted the individual plant's uniquely variegated foliage.‘HANSOTI23’ originated as a naturally-occurring mutation of theSansevieria variety ‘Midi Green’ (unpatented) selected in January 2000.

Asexual reproduction of the new Sansevieria cultivar by vegetativecuttings was first performed in November of 2007 at a commercial nurseryin Village Asle, District Satara, Maharashtra State in Western India.This first and subsequent propagation have shown that the distinctivecombination of characteristics of the new cultivar are reproduced trueto type as long as the propagation was done through side shoots (basalsuckers) originating from the base of the originally discovered plant.Thus, it can be said that the new cultivar reproduces true to typethrough side shoots (basal suckers).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe unique characteristics of ‘HANSOTI23’, which in combinationdistinguish this Sansevieria as a new and distinct cultivar:

-   -   1. Bright variegated foliage of dark green and cream tones with        linear bands along the length of the leaf, contrasting with a        base background cream colour and bright green coloured margin        bands in the leaf blade. The amount of green in the leaf in        inversely proportional to the light level, with plants in        highest light being the brightest, with darker yellows and        lighter greens and so more colourful. Overall ‘HANSOTI23’ is one        of the most colourful Sansevieria hybrids known to the inventor.    -   2. Bright marginal band of 1 to 10 mm wide. Typically, this band        is very narrow on one side of the leaf and much broader on the        other side of the same leaf but can, in some leaves, be equally        wide on both edges.    -   3. 20-25 cm plant height overall, one of the most compact        cultivars amongst the Sansevieria nominated as “Compact        Sansevieria Group”.    -   4. Ready to sell, 3-month (from rooted Liner) old plants have 9        to 12 (average of 10) leaves per plant which is relatively high        compared to other Sansevieria in the Compact Group. This gives a        more bushy, full plant compared to other Sansevierias in the        Compact Group.    -   5. Relatively soft leaves with a slight twist along the long        axis of the leaf. In comparison, most Sansevierias in the        Compact Group have very stiff, upright leaves.

The new variety ‘HANSOTI23’ is considered a variety of Sansevieria inthe group denominated as “Compact Sansevieria Group”. The new varietypresents an average of 10 leaves per plant when it reaches maturity(between 3-4 months from rooted Liner).

The new variety has an erect growth habit and the entire plant can reacha height range between 20 and 30 cm. The leaves are of medium width (5to 7 cm measured at the widest part of the mature leaf under goodgrowing conditions) and lanceolate with a firm, waxy texture. The bladesare somewhat thick or fleshy but much less than similar Compact Group ofSansevieria and very slightly wavy. This variety also has an invertedtriangle shape like most Sansevieria of the Compact Group.

The new variety is moderately drought tolerant and adapts well toconditions of bright light and heavy shade (exterior and interior).

The leaves show a bright variegated colouration, with vertical centralwide band and occasional thin bands on a background of creamy yellow.This creamy colour covers or overlays the central dark band to varyingdegrees so that this dark band can appear anywhere between a brightgreen to a lighter greyish green. The amount of cream on a leaf varies.Overall colour also depends on amount of light available as well as ageof the plant—under higher shade overall colour is darker green and lessyellow; under higher light colour is brighter with darker yellows andlighter and less green, giving a more golden appearance. The base creamycolour varies from 11B to 11D (The former under more shade and latterunder more light).

The central broad band shows green colourations varying from a darkgreen similar to 136B to a lighter colour similar to 138B or 138C.However, due to extreme variability of shade and the overlying greycolouration it is difficult to pin point the exact shade. Attachedcolour pictures are a better guide to the overall colouration thanwritten descriptions.

Each leaf has a marginal band that is brighter green and is often (butnot always) very narrow on one side of the leaf and broader on theother—the band varies in width from just 2 mm to 10 mm. This marginalband, again variable in colour, has little or no grey overlay and soappears brighter. Colour of this marginal band varies from a light greennear N144D on younger leaves to a dark green on older leaves near 136A.

Superimposed on all the above are lighter horizontal cross-banding(typical of most broad leaved Sansevieria including ‘Futura Superba’)that is more obvious over darker central and marginal bands and veryindistinct across the creamy base colour.

Backside of the leaves is similarly coloured with wide central darkerband and thinned marginal bands. However, usually the whole of thebackside of the leaf is more uniform due to thicker overlying layer ofgreenish-cream (Yellow-Green 150D or 154D where the cream is separate)so that the darker vertical bands (136A) are less distinct that on thefront or top of the leaf.

Young shoots are obviously much paler with a whitish cream coloursimilar to but even lighter than 150D on inside of leaf and similar to148C on the outside and a very pale background colour of 2C. Marginalband is brighter green. In emerging pups, the horizontal banding isprominent especially on the margins. The cream area is also muchlighter, almost white but this slowly darkens to cream as the plantmatures.

COMMERCIAL COMPARATOR

Plants of the new Sansevieria ‘HANSOTI23’ are horticulturally similar tothe commercial variety ‘Futura Superba’, unpatented. The varieties,however, vary substantially, as described in the characteristics inTable 1. Plants of the new Sansevieria ‘HANSOTI23’ differ from plants ofthe commercial cultivar ‘Futura Superba’ (unpatented) in thecharacteristics described in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Comparison of Closest similar cultivar ‘Futura Superba’ and Newvariety ‘Hansoti 23’ Characteristic ‘Futura Superba’ ‘HANSOTI23’ 1.Overall color Thin cream colored Bright cream with bright green marginalvariegation bands of various widths, bright, and moderate centralvariegated appearance. banding 2. Leaf aspect Upright and very Slightlyto moderately slightly undulating undulating. 3. Mature height 30 to 60cm 20 to 30 cm

PARENTAL COMPARISON

Plants of the new Sansevieria ‘HANSOTI23’ differ from plants of theparental cultivar in the characteristics described in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Comparison of New and Parental variety Parent Characteristic‘Midi Green’ ‘HANSOTI23’ 1. Overall color Dark green with Bright creamwith bright prominent horizontal green bands of various bands and novariegation. widths, bright, variegated appearance. 2. Margin color Nomarginal coloration. Bright green border 1 to 10 mm wide. 3. Leaf aspectFlat Slightly to moderately undulating. 4. Vigour Very vigorous. Lessvigorous, but strong grower. 5. Leaf width 5 cm 6 cm

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs illustrate the overall appearance of thenew Sansevieria cultivar ‘HANSOTI23’ showing the colors as true as isreasonably possible with colored reproductions of this type. Colors inthe photographs may differ slightly from the color value cited in thedetailed botanical description which accurately describe the color of‘HANSOTI23’.

These pictures illustrate the plant form which is the uniquecharacteristic of ‘HANSOTI23’ and at the same time demonstrates thatplant coloration and variegation pattern is similar to several otherSansevieria trifasciata cultivars. All plants were grown in an open polyhouse (high tunnel) at Village Asle, District Satara, Maharashtra Statein Western India. Average temperature in Asle is 25° C. with summerhighs of 39° C. and winter lows of 6° C. Plants grow under natural lightconditions and between 30% to 75% shade levels depending on the season(higher shade in hot summer conditions). These conditions closelyapproximate those used in commercial practice in India.

FIG. 1 illustrates a three-month-old plant of Sansevieria ‘HANSOTI23’ ina 12 cm diameter pot.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the plant of ‘HANSOTI23’ in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a plant of ‘Hansoti23’ grown under high light conditions(about 35% shade from the greenhouse plastic and no shade cloth in latespring which is bright and sunny season) showing the bright coloration,with more, darker yellows and narrower and lighter green bands that highlight brings. Though more colourful, such high light grown plants areless acclimatised to low light indoor conditions. Age of the plant isapproximately 3 months.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of 6 plants of ‘HANSOTI23’ grown underlower light (same growing conditions as plants in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2).Plants are approximately 2.5 to 3 months old.

FIG. 5 illustrates the same plants as in FIG. 4 from a higher angle.

FIG. 6 illustrates the same plants as in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 from the topview.

FIG. 7 illustrates individual leaves of ‘HANSOTI23’.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The new Sansevieria ‘HANSOTI23’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions. The phenotype of the new cultivar may varywith variations in environment such as temperature, light intensity,fertilizer levels and composition and day length without any change inthe genotype of the plant.

The aforementioned photographs, together with the followingobservations, measurements and values describe the new Sansevieriacultivar ‘HANSOTI23’ plants grown in an open poly house (high tunnel) atVillage Asle, District Satara, Maharashtra State in Western India.Average temperature in Asle is 25° C. with summer highs of 39° C. andwinter lows of 6° C. Plants grow under natural light conditions andbetween 30% to 75% shade levels depending on the season (higher shade inhot summer conditions).

This crop gets nearly constant fertilization to increase production,Constant Liquid Feed at approximately 150 ppm N, 30 ppm P and 150 ppm Kis used along with micronutrients. Production is closely related withproper and complete plant nutrition and an open soilless growing mediabased on coconut coir. The plants are grown in plastic pots on metalbenching in spacing trays.

Color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society ColourChart (R.H.S.), (April 2009) except where general colors of ordinarysignificance are used.

The photographs and descriptions were taken during the Winter season inAsle, District Satara, Maharashtra State, India when outdoor daytemperature was 25° C. to 30° C. The age of the plants described is 3 to4 months.

-   Botanical classification: Sansevieria trifasciata ‘HANSOTI23’.-   General information:    -   -   Parentage.—Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Midi Green’            (unpatented).        -   Optimal growth conditions.—        -   Light intensities.—High adaptability to outdoor or indoor            conditions.        -   Temperature.—Day: 25° C. to 35° C. Night: 12° C. to 25° C.        -   Temperature tolerance.—Tolerant to a low temperature of            about 8° C. and a high temperature of 38° C. and above, very            heat tolerant.        -   Fertilization.—Constant feed of 150 ppm N, 30 ppm P and 150            ppm K is used along with micronutrients with occasional            leaching.        -   Growth regulators.—Not necessary for growth, however rooting            hormone aids in rapid and prolific rooting of offsets.-   Propagation:    -   -   Typical.—Side suckers which come true to type.        -   Rooting habit and description.—Rhizomes are elongated,            fleshy, giving rise to offsets (side shoots). Offsets root            easily with fibrous adventitious roots from cut end. Colored            cream to brown, not accurately measured with R.H.S. chart.        -   Time to initiate roots.—15 to 20 days at 25 to 30° C.        -   Time to produce a rooted liner.—About 45 days at 25° C. to            30° C.        -   Time to produce a sales ready 12 cm potted plant from            liner.—About 3 months at 25° C. to 30° C.-   Plant:    -   -   General appearance and form.—Upright rosette.        -   Height.—About 20 to 30 cm when grown in 12 cm pots.        -   Spread.—About 25 to 30 cm when grown when grown in a 12 cm            size container.        -   Form.—Monocot; leaf bases arranged in a rosette around            growth point.        -   Shape.—Inverted triangle.        -   Growth rate.—Moderate to rapid.-   Foliage:    -   -   Quantity.—About 7 to 9 in a 12 cm, ready to sell plant.            Increases with age.        -   Arrangement and attachment.—Single, leaf bases arranged            stiffly in a rosette around a central growth point.        -   Leaf length.—About 20 to 30 cm, full mature leaf.        -   Leaf width.—About 6 cm, full mature leaf.        -   Overall shape of leaf.—Lanceolate.        -   Aspect.—Slightly to moderately undulate.        -   Apex shape.—Acute, aristate soft tip.        -   Base shape.—Truncate.        -   Margin.—Entire, sharp, smooth.        -   Texture.—Upper Surface: Smooth and waxy texture.        -   Texture.—Under Surface: Smooth and waxy texture.        -   Pubescence.—None.        -   Color.—Upper surface mature leaf: Basal cream colour near            11B to 11D with dark central band varying from 136B to            lighter bands near 138B or 138C. Central band covered in            overlay colored near Yellow 2D. Lower surface mature leaf:            Basal cream colour near 11B to 11D with dark central band            varying from 136B to lighter bands near 138B or 138C.            Central band covered in overlay colored near Yellow 2D.            Margin coloration: Near RHS Green 136A upper and lower            surfaces. Young foliage near Yellow-Green 144D.        -   Venation.—Pattern: Longitudinal/parallel leaf shape.        -   Venation color.—Indistinguishable from leaf blade.        -   Leaf fragrance.—None.-   Other:    -   -   Inflorescence description.—Flowers not observed to date.        -   Weather resistance.—Moderately drought tolerant.        -   Pest resistance.—Reasonably resistant to pests, susceptible            to root mealybugs (Rhizoecus pritchardi). Typical pets            include Pseudococcidae longispinus and Tetranychus urticae.        -   Disease resistance.—Occasionally shows Anthracnose and leaf            spots but largely disease free from clean mother stock.        -   Fruit/seed production.—No fruits/seeds detected to date.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Sansevieria plantnamed ‘HANSOTI23’ as herein illustrated and described.